Dr Monica Cations is a senior clinical psychologist working within the geriatric care services in South Australia Health. She has worked with older adults and people with dementia for nearly two decades, adapting her clinical skills to meet the unique needs of these populations. She has a special interest in supporting older people who have survived psychologically traumatic events. In addition to her clinical work, Dr Cations is also a Senior Research Fellow at Flinders University.

Keryln has extensive clinical experience and is committed to research and education within the domains of wound and ostomy care. She is Chair of the Wounds Australia Pressure Injury Advisory Panel and Australia Wound Standards Committee and Chairs the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. She was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Wound Management Association (now Wounds Australia) in 2006 and Life Membership of the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses in 2015. She is a lead researcher in the Silver Chain and Curtin University Wound Management Innovation Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) projects.

Vivienne is the principal presenter and facilitator for Leaders in Leading and has a background in management, training, personal development and events coordination. She has over 20 years’ experience as a consultant, facilitator, counsellor and coach. Her strength is in building positive relationships in the workplace through self-mastery, communication and understanding, as opposed to bullying, fear and intimidation. Vivienne has presented in healthcare and nursing forums and has worked closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Liz is the Stroke Nurse Practitioner at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), Sydney. She has an extensive neuroscience nursing background, and currently works in the TIA and stroke outpatient clinic at RNSH, providing comprehensive assessment and management for TIA and stroke patients. Liz was responsible for the implementation of the Acute Stroke Unit at RNSH in 1997. Liz has lectured for Sydney University in the Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner course and provides national webinars in her role with the Australian Stroke Nurses Education Network (ASNEN). Liz has published in peer reviewed journals on acute stroke nursing and TIA management and has co-authored acute stroke chapters in Medical–Surgical textbooks.

Ilsa has over twenty years of experience in human services and education, most of which has included a focus on integrated spiritual care. Ilsa is currently a director on the board of Palliative Care Australia, chair of the Australian Association of Gerontology Victorian Executive Committee and CEO of Optometry Victoria South Australia, and previously served as CEO of peak body Meaningful Ageing Australia from 2016 to 2022. Whilst at Meaningful Ageing, Ilsa led the development of the popular ‘See me. Know me.’ campaign and supporting materials, in addition to creating more than twenty resources to assist aged care services understand and respond to the spirituality of older people. This work was built on ten years in spiritual care leadership including, at various stages, a position on the board of Meaningful Ageing (previously PASCOP), as well as clinical pastoral education supervision and various senior roles at Baptcare.

Professor Brian Draper's interests are on clinical aspects of mental health problems in old age. Brian collaborates with a range of institutions around Australia including Flinders University, Griffith University, University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney. His other main area of interest is depression and suicidal behaviour in late life with collaborative work funded by ARC and NHMRC being undertaken with colleagues around Australia and internationally. Brian is on the research advisory committee for the LifeSpan project of suicide prevention and is an associate investigator on the 'Under the Radar' project both run by the Black Dog Institute. Other current work includes the investigation of self-harm in people with dementia.

Dr John Barlow graduated with an M.B., B.S. in 1979 and began practicing general medicine in 1981 in NSW, Australia. He currently focuses on minor surgery, cardiovascular medicine and diabetes. Dr Barlow is the Principal GP of a large medical centre, run by local general practitioners. Over the years, his role has shifted from full-time clinical practice to teaching younger GPs and medical students from the University of Notre Dame, while still maintaining clinical commitments. He obtained a Diploma in Sports Medicine from the University of NSW in 1983 and has been a member of the NSW and Federal AMA since 1981. Additionally, he is a member of the Sydney South West Primary Health Network and serves on various advisory boards and steering committees with the pharmaceutical industry, offering advice on marketing and GP educational programs.

Dr Joanna Patching is an Associate Professor of Mental Health Nursing. Joanna combines many years of research, academic teaching and clinical experience, specifically for clients and their carers seeking support with their mental health. Her passion is implementing evidence-based practice and developing and strengthening the skills of future clinicians in providing person-centred care.

Fiona Hodson is a Pain Management Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Hunter Integrated Pain Service NSW, Australia, who has worked in all aspects of pain service delivery over the last 22 years. Fiona was president of the Australian Pain Society (APS) from 2017-2019 with a particular interest in pain in the elderly. During her tenure on the APS board, she coordinated the revision of the internationally recognised Pain in Residential Aged Care Facilities: Management Strategies, 2nd Edition (RACF2), as well as being a co-author. She is currently working collaboratively with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), on developing a Pain Management Guidelines Implementation Toolkit to align with the RACF2 pain guidelines. Fiona’s passion for advocating for people experiencing pain is evidenced by her ongoing clinical and consumer representation on various national committees and working parties and has been an active board member of Chronic Pain Australia(CPA) since 2010.

Josie Winter is the Founder and Clinical Director of Advanced Clinical Solutions Ltd., a professional services provider of patient safety, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement support to private healthcare organisations. With 18 years of public and private healthcare experience and a proven track record of training and quality improvement success, Josie is a passionate and conscientious clinical consultant fuelled by her love of all thing’s healthcare. She also has a keen interest in Infection Prevention & Control having gained an MSc in the subject, as well as developing training programmes.

Lisa Campbell is the National Infection Prevention and Control Manager at Bolton Clarke. Lisa manages the Infection Prevention and Control Program, mentors 48 IPC leads across the business and coordinates the Bolton Clarke Care Deployment Teams for COVID-19 outbreaks. Lisa has 16 years of experience in Infection Prevention and Control, providing guidance in the private, public and not for profit healthcare sectors in acute care, residential aged care, at home support and residential living settings. Lisa has a Masters in Nursing Science: Infection Prevention and Control.

Bec Bishop is a Registered Nurse with over twenty years experience in the Aged Care industry. Bec’s experience includes an extensive knowledge of all operational roles within a Residential Aged Care home. Her broad range of proficiencies support her ability to provide direction and leadership in: • Clinical expertise • Management • Governance and policy development • Accreditation support and response • Continuous Improvement programs • Infection Prevention and Control • Outbreak management plan development • Clinical support in COVID outbreak Bec’s achievements include adaptation to changeswithin the industry which she has been successful in implementing into her current work practice. Bec has been recognised by her industry peers as a “People Leader” in Residential Aged Care. Bec’s strengths include collaboration with residents, families, and Health professionals to ensure a partnership in person centered care is applied and residents feel empowered to communicate their individual needs. Bec is highly motivated, enthusiastic, and eager to develop and share knowledge on best practice within the Aged Care Industry.

Di Thomas is a leader in Aged Care with extensive experience in operational and governance roles within the Aged Care industry. Recent experience as a Leader in a COVID positive Residential Aged Care Home. Di graduated as a Registered Nurse and has undertaken post graduate studies in Master of Gerontology (Charles Sturt University), Diploma of Dementia Care (University of Tasmania), Diploma of Quality Auditing (LASA) and Infection Prevention and Control in Aged Care Setting (ACIPC). Di has worked as a Registered Nurse over 35 years across rural acute, indigenous primary health services and Aged Care, her focus and passion in Aged Care is to deliver positive outcomes for residents and families and support staff in the industry. The last 10 years Di has been working with leading not-for-profit aged care providers in senior roles. This includes, management roles and compliance to ensure positive outcomes for residents in care.

Julia is Team Leader of Wellbeing with The Silver Line, a charity working to fight loneliness among our older populations. It is the UK’s free and confidential helpline for older people who feel lonely or isolated. It is the only helpline apart from the Samaritans open every single day and night of the year.

Roderick is an old age psychiatrist, current Chair of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and a conjoint Senior Lecturer with the University of New South Wales. Dr. McKay has worked for many years with specialist mental health services for older people in outer metropolitan Sydney, seeing older people in hospital and in their homes, including residential aged care.

Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli is a founding member of the Continence Foundation of Australia and first Australian Physiotherapist member of the International Continence Society and lays claim to being the first Australian Physiotherapist Continence Adviser. She is a Research Associate with the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, immediate past Scientific Editor of the Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal and a member of the steering committee of the Australian National Continence Management Program - The Bladder Bowel Collaborative. As well as her PhD, Pauline has a Master’s degree in Medical Science in Health Promotion: a degree that has proven effective in her continence promotion efforts to “dry up Australia”. Her Master Thesis was “Incontinence During Pregnancy: Prevalence and Opportunities for Continence Promotion” while her PhD thesis explored “Female Urinary Incontinence in Australia: Prevalence and Prevention in Postpartum Women”. For the last eight years Pauline has convened the Bachelor of Physiotherapy Undergraduate program at the University of Newcastle NSW Australia while her current research involves male continence issues associated with treatment for prostate cancer.

Dr. Sean Lubbe qualified as a medical practitioner in 2001 and as a Psychiatrist in 2010. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ( FRANZCP ), and Accredited Member of the faculty of old age psychiatry ( FPOA ) and a member of the royal college of psychiatrists ( MRCPsych). He was awarded a masters in medical ethics and law ( King's college london ) in 2010. Dr Lubbe is a Senior staff specialist psychiatrist in Sydney local health district where he provides clinical leadership in an Older people’s mental health services. A multidisciplinary team of professionals who provided comprehensive care to older adults presenting with mental illness and cognitive disorders. As an honorary clinical lecturer in the faculty of medicine and health at the university of sydney, Dr Lubbe pursues his interest in teaching medical students. His interest in education extends to improving the knowledge of patients, their carers and provider organisations. He has published original research in his field.

Amira Guirguis completed the MPharm degree from the University of Hertfordshire (UK) and gained her PhD in the infield detection of new psychoactive substance (NPS) which cumulated in the publication of several papers and the JPAG's Geoffery Phillips award. Amira jointed the University of Hertfordshire as a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, where she teaches on the MPharm, Pharmaceutical Science and Bioscience programmes.

Penny is a consultant accredited pharmacist with 20 years of experience in providing medication management reviews and quality use of medicines services to aged care facilities. Penny is skilled in developing and implementing policies and procedures and in providing education to facility staff to promote a high level of pharmaceutical care.

Doug is a New Zealand based rheumatologist, who provides thorough, personalised and expert care of inflammatory rheumatic disorders, including autoimmune inflammatory disorders, crystal arthritis, connective tissue disorders, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. He holds a postgraduate qualification in musculoskeletal medicine and paediatric rheumatology and trained in centres in the UK and Australia, before settling here in New Zealand in 2010. Doug is passionate about the use of technology and new media in healthcare and has developed materials for patients and healthcare providers to improve understanding of rheumatic diseases. Doug believes that research is an integral part of providing good care and has contributed to numerous national and international research projects. He has been the Honorary Secretary of the New Zealand Rheumatology Association, and is a current member of the Rheumatology Audit Partnership New Zealand and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Professor Gerry Wilson graduated in Medicine from Queen's University Belfast. He was awarded an Arthritis Research Clinical Fellowship for a PhD thesis which he undertook at the University of Sheffield. Subsequently awarded a Fellowship for research at Stanford University. He was appointed Professor in Rheumatology and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at the University of Sheffield Medical School and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust where he was Head of the Sheffield EULAR Centre of Excellence for Rheumatology. He was appointed to the Arthritis Ireland/UCD Chair of Rheumatology in 2013 and leads the University College Dublin Centre for Arthritis Research. Gerry’s main interests are genetic mechanisms influencing tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

A/Prof Newman L. Harris is a medical specialist with formal training in Rehabilitation Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pain Medicine. He held a long-standing position at the University of Sydney’s Pain Management and Research Institute and has more recently contributed to Griffith University on the Gold Coast. A/Prof Harris completed his medical degree at UNSW, receiving the Foundation Year Graduates Medal in 1984. He was later awarded a fellowship by the NSW Institute of Psychiatry to explore psychiatric aspects of pain under Prof Michael Cousins AO and went on to complete a Master’s in Pain Medicine at Sydney University. He holds dual fellowships with the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPMANZCA) and the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). A/Prof Harris has served in numerous leadership and advisory roles, including nine years on the FPMANZCA Board, four of which he spent as Chair of Examinations. He has also held positions with Pain Australia, the Australian Pain Society, and the RANZCP. He continues to contribute to regulatory and advisory bodies in NSW. In 2025, he received the Robert Orton Medal—the highest honour from the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists—for his distinguished service to Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. From 2000 to 2020, he played a key role in Sydney Medical School’s postgraduate Pain Management program before joining Griffith University.

As an RN and Specialist Dermatology Nurse, Jan has spent 34 years of her nursing career mostly as a rural practice nurse, the past 18 years being focused on generalist dermatology. This has provided experience in skin issues across all age groups, including the many sub specialty areas of dermatology. Her role has always included an educational focus for colleagues, whether nurses transitioning into dermatology or as professional development and competency development of dermatology, aged care or primary care practice nurses. She completed her Masters of Nursing in 2003, focusing on Dermatology. Jan has also held an active interest in the Professional aspects of her specialty, and has held committee positions for the Australian Dermatology Nurses’ Association (ADNA), including President (2004-07).

"Paul Creek has provided Consulting Services to the Health and Aged Care Industries for the past 16 years across Australia, Asia and New Zealand with his Sydney based company, Creek Solutions. Paul consults in Hospitality Services Management predominantly in the areas of kitchen production and service, food safety/HACCP, laundry, cleaning and maintenance. He consults on the ideal design of new builds in aged and health care, hotel back of house including laundry, dirty utility rooms (DUR) and kitchens, and has been called on from organisations in Europe, UK, USA and Singapore for input into process management for support services. Managing infection control processes is another expertise of Paul’s and he is often sought after for advice on its control. An advocate for microfibre cleaning processes, Paul has led the industry in Australia with contemporary practices and was the first to introduce ozone into his organisation, a green initiative for energy and water savings to Australia. "

Roy has worked for ACON Health (formerly the AIDS Council of NSW) for over a decade. He trained as nurse, and when HIV became a threat across his community he volunteered for Victorian AIDS Council and working as an operating theatre nurse before joining ACON NSW. His role as care coordinator has included beginning training aged service providers in LGBTI sensitivity for ageing clients requiring care. He began training service providers (wrote his own program). He has co-written and presented programs on LGBTI for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, keynote speaker at the Psychogeriatric Nurse Annual Conference. Regular presentations to Social Welfare and Aged Care students at NR TAFE Colleges. He attends inter-agencies for ageing and disability in the Northern Rivers region. He was appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing (NSW) and recently co-authored along with Professor Tracey MacDonald a paper on Cumulative Disadvantage Across a Life Span.

Karen is a skilled leadership development professional with over 25 years’ experience in designing and implementing leadership and management development programmes to assist individuals, teams and organisations achieve their goals.

"Ian Hargreaves is an experienced laundry expert with over 40 years in the industry, having begun his career as a Laundry Manager in the NHS. After 25 years in NHS laundry management, Ian spent a brief time managing a private laundry company, including 2 processing facilities, with control over quality, production, and engineering and transport services, reporting directly to the company chairman. In 2004, he used his considerable knowledge and experience to form his own laundry consultancy firm, Laundry Solutions; his commissions have been in both private and public sector organisations and have contributed to cost reductions, improved quality and adherence to regulations and guidelines. He has undertaken projects throughout Europe, China, North Africa and the USA, improving standards of hygiene, prevention of cross infection and the transportation and delivery of clean linen for healthcare use."

Dr Claudia Meyer is a Senior Research Fellow in the Bolton Clarke Research Institute in Melbourne. Claudia combines her research skills with clinical physiotherapy experience, particularly for older people and their carers. Her field of interest is implementing research evidence into practice and policy, underpinned by a health equity focus, specifically in the areas of dementia care and frailty/falls prevention.

John Taylor has over 45 years’ experience and accumulated knowledge related to the cleaning industry. Initially managing a large contract cleaning company, he then established a commercial cleaning products supply business. Following the sale of his business in 2017, John maintains an active role as a specialist consultant to this organisation. Over the last decade he has been closely involved in the aged and healthcare sectors as a cleaning advisor, with a particular emphasis on infection control and cross contamination. He was involved in the introduction of colour coding of cleaning equipment into the aged care, healthcare, hospitality, and retail sectors and was one of the pioneers with microfibre flat mopping in aged and healthcare. John strongly advocates for the importance of the cleaner’s role in breaking the contamination cycle, but particularly with our most vulnerable population in the aged care sector.

Josie Winter is the Founder and Clinical Director of Advanced Clinical Solutions Ltd., a professional services provider of patient safety, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement support to private healthcare organisations. With 18 years of public and private healthcare experience and a proven track record of training and quality improvement success, Josie is a passionate and conscientious clinical consultant fuelled by her love of all thing’s healthcare. She also has a keen interest in Infection Prevention & Control having gained an MSc in the subject, as well as developing training programmes.

Maria has worked in the Aged Care Industry since 1997. She has worked as a Care Manager in a Low Care Facility and has also worked as a Nurse Educator for various aged care facilities both in high and low care settings. She has been involved in the implementation of standards to gain Accreditation within various facilities and has a strong background in infection prevention and control in the residential care setting.

Martin is a specialist Community Infection Control Matron with Liverpool and Merseyside Community Health Services (UK). He is part of a team of specially trained nurses who provide advice and support on all matters relating to Infectious diseases and illnesses, both to the public, healthcare workers and independent providers of healthcare, as well as community health staff and services. Martin has been working in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for 18 years within a variety of acute and community settings. He has published in a number of articles relating to IPC and decontamination and has developed the Infection Prevention Society - IPS/DOH audit tools for community settings. Martin is very active within the Infection Prevention Society, having been the community coordinator for many years. He received formal recognition at IPS conference Manchester 2017, when he received the national Brendan Moore award for his work with the society.

Kelly Gowland is a registered Nursing Associate, working with a hospital setting from 2010, before joining a general practice in 2022. She has covered a wide range of nursing roles, including general medicine, acute medical, orthopaedics, dementia, Accident & Emergency and care of the elderly. Kelly is passionate about her role and enjoys being able to make a difference, putting patient care and safety at the centre of everything she does within her scope of practices. Her experience and knowledge is extensive, with daily nursing duties that include wound care, ECGs, injectable medicine, blood tests, flu and covid injection, asthma and COPD reviews, health checks and much more. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys travelling in the family campervan with ‘Millie’, her four-year-old dog.

Megan Thorpe has worked in palliative care for 20 years. She was previously Manager of the Sacred Heart Bereavement Counselling Service at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and now works in both private practice and at the Bereavement Counselling Service at Calvary Health Care Kogarah, in Sydney. She has worked as a Spiritual Care Counsellor for people facing the end of their life and has worked at the children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, run by the Children’s Hospital, Westmead. Megan is experienced at individual face to face therapy, running support groups, acting as an advisor and consultant in bereavement and end of life support. She has presented at a number of national conferences on the topics of grief, bereavement and spiritual care. She also teaches mindfulness and meditation.

Dr. Rik Dawson is an aged care physiotherapist, former managing director of Agewell Physiotherapy, and the President Elect of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). Rik is a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney. Rik focuses on the effectiveness of physiotherapy, exercise, and telehealth in reducing falls and improving mobility among older people.

"Sharon's interest in work health and safety (WHS) began as a technical officer at the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (now ANSTO), where her career started. Sharon was awarded the Master of Occupational Health and Safety post graduate qualification, the Bachelor of Education in Adult Education and is a certified member of the Safety Institute of Australia. Sharon is an Approved Training Provider and nominated trainer to deliver the SafeWork NSW approved five day Health and Safety Representative (HSR) course; and a member of VET professional network. Sharon prides herself on her commitment to providing quality services and exceeding client expectations. "

Katrina is a registered nurse with over 16 years in the Australian aged care industry, holding leadership roles in both community-based and residential services. With a particular passion for supporting those living with dementia, Katrina has made it her mission to elevate the standards of care across Australia, ensuring that individuals with dementia receive the compassion and individualised support they deserve. Katrina holds a Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing and a Master’s in Person Centred Dementia Care from the University of Wollongong. Her clinical expertise, leadership experience, and advocacy for dementia care make her a respected figure in aged care, driving positive change and promoting excellence in nursing practice across Australia. Katrina is also a nurse practitioner candidate, currently studying through Flinders University.

Brett Stevens has 30 years experience in the fields of emergency, safety and security risk management with a background in emergency management, industrial fire rescue, policing, military, medical and security. In the area of Fire Rescue, he has worked as an Emergency Service Officer at a number of gas, construction and remote mining field sites. Since 2003, he has worked with and advised the aged care community in the area of emergency management and security.

David Coleman has worked as a Health and Safety professional for over 15 years, the last 10 of which have been focused on the care and support sector. He is the owner of the first health and safety company in the UK to be a Registered Provider with Skills for Care. He has a wide range of expertise including COSHH, fire safety and legionella management and has worked with a number of care providers over the years to improve health and safety to benefit staff and clients alike.

Sally-Ann Remnant has worked within the field of epilepsy for over 20 years. First trained as a nurse for disabilities she quickly moved on to support those with complex epilepsy. Initially as a community disability nurse in south London, a matron for an epilepsy charity, then epilepsy specialist nurse for Surrey. More recently, Sally-Ann has worked as a nurse practitioner in epilepsy for Guys and St Thomas’ London where she also gained her medical MSc in epileptology from Kings College. Here she gained recognition for her research into “a link between constipation and seizures frequency” and was given the Bateman award. Sally-Ann is a nurse prescriber and nurse consultant for her own company called Epilepsy Explained. She and her amazing colleagues provide bespoke training and consultancy across the UK.

Debra Parker holds a Masters in Professional Education & Training and brings 18 years’ education leadership experience across community, disability and workplace learning environments, to her current role as Knowledge Manager for the Epilepsy Foundation. Debra has a strong passion for inclusive and flexible learning environments which recognises the individual in the learning journey. The Epilepsy Foundation provides support for people living with epilepsy and their families to help them live better lives as defined by them. As Knowledge Manager Debra works strategically to support effective transfer of knowledge; knowledge which enables the Epilepsy Foundation to deliver on its mission to raise awareness of epilepsy in the broader community, to reduce stigma, and to create a more welcoming and inclusive society.

Mike Betts is the Manual Handling Advisor for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust. He has a Masters Degree in Back Care Management from Loughborough University and is a co-author of the 5th edition of The Guide to the Handling of People.

Margaret Armstrong is the Falls Prevention Coordinator for the Northern Sydney Local Health District. Margaret has been the NSLHD Falls Prevention Coordinator since 2006; inclusive of managing falls prevention in acute, community and residential aged care settings, and the Stepping On programs. She has a background in acute and community Occupational Therapy, Injury Management in Health Promotion, and a master’s degree in Health Science Education.

With thirty years of Speech Pathology clinical practice Jenny has extensive experience working with people who are living with swallowing, feeding and communication difficulties. She has worked widely in the aged care, rehabilitation, acute care and outpatient settings in Australia and the UK. Originally training as a Speech Pathologist in the UK, Jenny undertook further study and graduated from Macquarie University, Sydney in 2003 with M.A. Communication Disorders. She has worked in research, teaching and clinical supervision at Sydney, Macquarie and currently at Australian Catholic University. Jenny has a special interest in the area of aged care both in promoting safe mealtime environments and in addressing the facilitation of communication and engagement for people living with dementia. Jenny is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia and currently works in her own mobile private practice, Forest Speech Pathology, based in the Northern suburbs of Sydney.

Leigh is the manager for the Aged Care Emergency Program at Hunter Primary Care. She has worked with the program since 2013. Leigh has extensive experience in program management and implementation, building communication networks and engagement of stakeholders. She managed a number of practice improvement programs over the past 10 years. Leigh enjoys the challenge of implementing new models of care and supporting managers to work with their teams to affect cultural change.

With over 20 years’ experience as a qualified Dietitian, Alison has extensive knowledge of dysphagia and nutrition and for the last 6 years Alison has worked as a Prescribing Support Dietitian within a Clinical Commissioning Group. Her role focuses on appropriate prescribing of all products relating to nutrition, with a particular remit for appropriate prescribing of oral nutritional supplements and appropriate identification and treatment of malnutrition. Alison’s particular interests include malnutrition, care homes, dysphagia and dementia, and prior to her current job held a clinical role specialising in nutrition support for older people in care homes and the wider community, as well as nutrition support including tube feeding for people with progressive neurological conditions. Alison is the chair of the Older People Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and has represented dietitians working with older people on the IDDSI UK External Reference Group since its inception.

Fazeela Hafejee is the director of Aeonian Solutions and has over 20 years’ senior strategic leadership experience in the Health and Social Care field as a Social Worker. She qualified as one of the first independent Mental Capacity Act (IMCA) professionals in 2005. Fazeela’s social work experience gives her a unique perspective from which to develop rapport and build relationships with diverse clients. She has extensive experience of supporting individuals who need care and support, their families and/or carers and organisations to meet their needs. She is passionate about social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity and inclusion.

Melanie Tan is a medical practitioner and a lawyer. Melanie consults and advises in clinical governance, with a focus on aged care, disability and community services. She works closely with care organisations, taking into account their individual needs (and those of their clients) to give clinical governance life and meaning - from board level through to the front line. Melanie's work includes high-level review of frameworks and governance activities; detailed review of process and policy; advice on embedding clinical governance in leadership and culture; and development/delivery of training. As a medical practitioner, Melanie understands how clinical governance translates into practice and the challenges of care delivery at the front line. As a lawyer, Melanie understands the regulatory landscape within which care is delivered, and risk.

Philippa Shirtcliffe is passionate about promoting positive outcomes for people and supporting teams to provide outstanding care. Trained as a nurse after 10 years in the NHS, Philippa has spent over 20 years working for large domiciliary and residential care providers in the UK. Starting out as a care co-ordinator, she managed multi-site branches, led a business development team and had national responsibility for whistleblowing and safeguarding. These roles fuelled her enthusiasm for the establishment of good governance frameworks within care services. Philippa has been developing and writing policies and procedures for over 15 years and is Head of Care Quality at QCS. She retains her nurse registration.

Linda Starr is a general and psychiatric qualified nurse, lawyer and Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Her research interests have been in health law, criminal law, profiling and offender behaviour, forensic practice, forensic nursing, and elder abuse investigation. Linda has been nursing since 1971 and was admitted to the Supreme Court as a solicitor in 1996, completing a Masters in Law in 1998. Linda is currently enrolled in a PhD program, researching the links between reporting elder abuse and the successful investigation and prosecution of offenders by police. Linda is a member of a team of academics from Flinders University and Johns Hopkins University (USA), developing a co-badged online continuing education program on forensic health for medical officers, paramedics, nurses and midwives.

Marta Woolford has trained and worked in academic, public health, and non-profit roles. In these roles, she has supported organisations to deliver evidence-informed, person-centred, best practice care and services. In 2022, Marta will complete her PhD in the epidemiology and prevention of deaths from unexplained absences among nursing home residents. She has a consistent focus on linking research with policy and practice, and engaging communities and organisations to build collaborative relationships and deliver the best quality of life for older persons.

Julie has a clinical background as an Intensive Care Nurse and educator in major teaching hospitals in Melbourne and Sydney. She has a Master’s degree in bioethics from Monash University and, as a former Manager of Clinical Ethics and Policy in the NSW Ministry of Health, she has a passion for, and has lead in the promotion of clinical ethics and public health ethics in the NSW health system. She is a member of the Advisory Board to the Centre for Agency, Values and Ethics(opens in a new tab) at Macquarie University and a peer reviewer for the Journal of Bioethical Enquiry.

Hilary is the Executive Director of NAPA, a national charity and membership organisation supporting the sector to prioritise wellbeing. NAPA provides a range of support services that enable activity, arts and engagement. Hilary is responsible for all aspects of the charity's work. Before joining NAPA, Hilary held operational, service improvement, workforce development and consultancy roles for health, housing and social care providers. She has worked in local government, the NHS and the private and voluntary sectors. Hilary has a special and enduring interest in the care of support of people living with dementia, their families, and the staff who work alongside them. She is especially motivated by an interest in how people in receipt of care and support spend their day. She believes creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and companionship is central to good quality care and support in all settings.

After attaining a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) at the University of Newcastle in 2002, Rachel Freeman spent 3 years working in Inpatient/Outpatient Service roles within various locations in New South Wales and Victoria within the public health system. This work experience provided Rachel with clear insight into the needs of patients with diabetes and a desire to develop a meaningful career in this field. In 2007, Rachel obtained a Graduate Certificate (Diabetes Education), as well as establishing a private dietetics and diabetes education consultation practice in Perth of which she was the Director until 2011. From 2011-2013, Rachel continued clinical work as a Diabetes Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for NSW Health. During this time, Rachel was also involved in national policy reviews and national guideline development for various projects relating to people with diabetes. In 2015, Rachel completed a Master of Science (Diabetes) with a project to evaluate the ADEA mentoring program.

A/Professor Colm Cunningham is Director of The Dementia Centre HammondCare, with an Australian and International team of over 200 staff. The centre’s priorities are building design, understanding the causes of behaviour, life engagement, models of care and end of life care. Colm has published extensively and has over 30 years’experience in older age care. Colm is a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of NSW in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine and a Visiting Fellow in Dementia Design.

Craig Gear is health care consultant with over 20 year’s experience in senior management and within the health sector. Craig is working towards a better level of healthcare for all Australians and internationally, focused on using his health, senior management and nursing knowledge to deliver value and improvement - be that health advisory, volunteer governance or international community development.

Nicola Burton is a Registered Nurse and Learning and Development professional with a background in nursing, who loves to see staff implement practice change through targeted education. Nicola's background is in the acute care sector and since 2003, she has been working in the aged care sector.

Carolina Valencia Coleman is a social justice and diversity consultant, who is an experienced program, project developer and facilitator. Over the past 18 years, Carolina has specialised in inclusive practice, working across migrant and refugee health, youth sector, aged care, community health and language services. Carolina has worked within Not-for-Profits, Local Governments, State Government agencies and most recently in partnership with the Department of Health, embedding diversity practice in aged care services. Carolina’s goal has remained the same within all of these different sectors. She has worked to support mainstream services to respond and implement redesigned services, in partnership with their diverse consumer groups. Most recently, Carolina has begun decolonising practices to unfold her stories, practices and approaches, as well as designing and delivering anti-racism training for organisations, programs and individuals.

Jill Timms is a qualified nurse and currently works as a Quality Assurance Manager for Peverel Court Care. Jill also runs a nurse consultancy ‘Helping Managers Manage’ where she is a Care Consultant for care homes requiring assistance in preparing for CQC/LA inspections. Prior to Jill establishing this business, she managed a care home for many years and was also an Area Manager for a care home group based in South East England. Jill enjoys keeping abreast of developments in the sector and sharing her knowledge across a range of areas related to nursing management in aged care.

Joshua is a member of The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. He specialises in geriatric and palliative care medication and has been a hospital and community pharmacist for the past 10 years. Joshua has also had tenure as a university tutor at Sydney University, teaching topics from dispensing to pharmacotherapy.

Seamus is an independent Safeguarding Trainer and Consultant who works across a number of Local Authorities in London and the South East and has worked within the health and social care field for almost 25 years. A qualified trainer and coach, Seamus has specialised in Safeguarding since 2004, he has a proven track record in the delivery and promotion of safe, high quality services that support positive outcomes for service users, carers, families and the organisations that support them.Mick has sound knowledge of the care sector, learning and development, equality and diversity, cultural change and the ability to translate complex legal guidance and procedures into practical easy to follow solutions. “I have a passion for people and organisational development to raise performance and improve care services throughout the UK.” He worked at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for 7 years as the Equality and Diversity Manager, trained all 900 staff on a two-day equality course and supported senior managers with the cultural change agenda. He also worked at the Child Support Agency as a trainer and Executive Officer and prior to that worked as a National Insurance Inspector at the Department of Work and Pensions. Mick is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD), a qualified coach (CMI Level 5) and won the Communities and Local Government Individual Award for “Leadership” for his work with the disabled community in 2008.

Donna Dark is the Manager of Governance, Risk and Compliance at the IRT Group DBA, and a candidate at the University of Wollongong, Faculty of Business and Risk Management Institute of Australasia (RMIA). She is the not-for-profit Risk Network Leader 2014 to present, has a BSc (Human Movement Science), Grad Dip OHS, MBA, is a RMIA member and a governance professional, who has worked in the areas of quality, risk management, internal audit, compliance and insurance program management in the health and aged care sectors over the past 15 years.

Dr Karen Watson is a lecturer with the University of Technology Sydney where she coordinates and teaches aged care. She is a registered nurse and academic focused on promoting evidenced-based care for older people and support to their carers in a variety of health settings.

Dr Catriona Lorang is a registered psychologist who has been working with HammondCare's Special Care Unit at Southwood for 9years. More recently, she has joined the Dementia Centre research team at HammondCare. She has a PhD in psychology, focused on the clinical problems of depression management. Catriona has published and presented in the areas of dementia and severe behavioural disturbances and missing persons support services. Her areas of expertise include behaviour management strategies for people with severe dementia, depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.

Clinical Practice Manager - Residential Aged Care RN BSc PGDipSci MPhil (Nursing) DipTeach (Tertiary) Specialises in practice development for nurses and other frontline staff working in RAC for Bolton Clarke

Therese Jepson, RN, BN (Hons), MN (Clinical Teaching & Learning) Therese has worked in the Aged Care Rapid Response Team (ARRT), an acute aged care outreach service working from Royal North Shore and Ryde Hospitals in Northern Sydney as a Clinical Nurse Consultant for the past 6 years. Therese has 40 years nursing experience in England and Australia. For most of her career Therese has worked in the community setting and hospital in the home services. Therese is innovative and seeks opportunities to improve practice and build capacity in aged care facility staff.

Simon Lewis is a Consultant Neurologist, an NHMRC Leadership Fellow and Professor of Cognitive Neurology at Macquarie University. He completed his Neurology training at Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square London. He has published over 300 peer review papers, 2 books and 8 book chapters and has helped to attract over $40 Million in funding from various sources including the NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and Michael J Fox Foundation to support his research targeting Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and related conditions.

Daniel is a physiotherapist at the University of Sydney with teaching and research responsibilities. He is currently completing a PhD that focuses on safer mobility behaviour for fall prevention in people with Parkinson’s disease. Daniel is a research physiotherapist at the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health (IMH) in their physical activity, ageing and disability arm, and is currently the APA NSW Gerontology chairperson.

Dr Karen Abbey (B. Sc Hon Human Nutrition, Grad Dip Nutr & Diet Master Health Science Management, PhD (Residential Aged Care Foodservices), Cert IV Assessor and Trainer, Cert III Commercial Cookery Services) is a Foodservice Dietitian and Special Dietary Chef who has worked extensively across the foodservice sectors in Australia and internationally. She is the Director of Nutrition and Catering Consultancy, promoting quality in the food service system, providing a range of training options, recipe development, and finding practical solutions for those in care by working with food services and the food manufacturing industry. Karen delivers an extensive food service review/audit service and Standard 6 Menu and Meal Assessments. She is highly regarded for assisting aged care homes to meet standards, finding efficacies within the food service system, and providing training to upskill staff to ensure the best level of care for residents.

Jane MacKintosh is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in palliative care; a member of the ACI Palliative Care network and Palliative Care NSW. Jane has worked and studied in specialist palliative care for over 15 years both in Australia and New Zealand; her current role focuses on education and clinical leadership, providing support for people living with a terminal illness. Academy of Nursing Scientists and a Member of the Irish Association of Palliative Care.